December 2022, the Mont Gabriel hotel begins its most important weekend after two years of pandemic. At 10 a.m., a fire broke out and destroyed two rooms, not to mention the smoke that filled every space. The tragedy, however, became a blessing. The establishment is currently undergoing a makeover and should welcome customers again in June 2024. Cost of investment: 25 million.
Who says renovations often says “so much to do”. The Tidan Group, manager of the hotel, decided to improve all the spaces and even expand. 3,500 square feet of meeting space will be added to those that already exist. “This will allow us to have more intimate and more versatile locations,” explains Jessica Croteau, assistant general manager of the establishment. Added to this are rooms with windows from ceiling to floor so that visitors can see outside.
Technology is not left out. The hotel has modernized its broadband internet network with secure connections, added state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and projectors integrated into the room environment. “The screens will now be placed in the right places without it clashing with the decor,” says Jessica Croteau.
Located at the top of the Sommet Gabriel ski resort, the place will also make a big place for the landscape with a brand new layout of the terrace. “We want to facilitate team building, cocktails, and create more intimate spaces for business groups. »
At the time of the disaster, more than 100 employees worked at the company. A workforce that will have to be reconquered when it opens. Strategies have already been put in place. “We want to seek out retirees, form partnerships with seasonal businesses, establish flexible schedules. We are also thinking of housing some of them in our condos. The fire also allows us to think again about their well-being. The staff room will be completely refurbished with couches, a shower, etc. », Lists Jessica Croteau.
While waiting for the opening, it is already possible for business customers to book for their next event.
Wásábi coaching and leadership offers proven solutions to reconnect, realign and re-motivate troops. Far from pet therapy, Anouk Lorie uses interaction with horses to achieve this. “We are aimed at groups of 4 to 60 people. It’s a consolidation activity, but the aim is to sustainably transform your team,” explains the entrepreneur. The activity offers a challenge with the animal. “For example, we can ask the group to make the horse move, but without touching it, without talking to it, without feeding it or putting a halter on it. This is where teamwork is felt and where you have to create a bond of trust by using both your verbal and non-verbal skills,” explains the trainer. The activity is offered all year round and includes a preparation day and a follow-up day.
Investments continue at Aventures Plein Air Saint-Hippolyte. Among the new features, business groups can now rent a mountain refuge or tepee with a capacity of 20 people for their meeting. Alexandre Saey, director of the company, and his team offer turnkey packages and a range of activities to groups of 2 to 200 people. “We have everything on site: accommodation, meals, room rental and activities. Everything is customized according to customer needs. » The company also invested in a large number of new machines: snowmobiles, Outlander two-seater bomber ATVs and themed Jeeps.